Located on Heath Road in Strawberry Hill, Shiuli first opened in December 2021, bringing a modern and health-focused approach to Indian cuisine at a time when many diners were just beginning to emerge following the pandemic.
Chef Patron Alfred Prasad said: “People were craving comfort and connection, and we wanted to create a space that felt healing.
“Shiuli was our way of offering something calm, healthy and full of heart.”
In the years that followed they grew in recognition both locally and nationally, winning a number of awards including Best Small Business from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the “A League of Their Own” award from the West London Chamber of Commerce.
Most recently the restaurant celebrated a major milestone, being named as one of the London restaurants in this year’s Indian Good Food Guide.
Alfred said: “Awards are never the goal, but they remind us that people feel the care we put into everything from the food to the community work.
“To be recognised alongside some of the best Indian restaurants in the country means a great deal to us.
“It shows that people appreciate the love and care we put into every part of what we do.”
Situated at 128–130 Heath Road, the restaurant sits in the heart of the neighbourhood and has quickly become known for its serene interior sunlit by day, softly lit and intimate by night, offering a “peaceful and restorative” setting for diners.
Alfred, who previously held a Michelin star at Tamarind of Mayfair for 13 years, has brought decades of experience from India and the UK to the business.
He trained at the prestigious ITC Maurya in New Delhi before coming to London, where he became one of the youngest Indian chefs to earn a Michelin star.
Alfred said: “My philosophy has always been heritage, health and happiness, that’s the foundation of everything we cook.”
When it comes to the food, Shiuli’s menu offers a fresh, ingredient-led take on Indian cuisine that Alfred has branded “India Unplugged”.
A huge amount of dishes focus on lighter, healthier interpretations of classics, such as the butter-free Skinny Makhani and black kale saag paneer, alongside plant-based dishes that have earned a lot of admiration from customers.
Among the most-loved dishes are the burrata chaat, Malabar prawn and mango curry, signature lamb chops and the bone marrow butter naan, which diners often describe as a must-order.
“Healthy food shouldn’t feel restrictive, it should still feel joyful, comforting and full of flavour.” Alfred explained.
As for the drinks, the bar offers small-batch spirits from independent producers, a house botanical gin, local beers from Twickenham Fine Ales and Jawbone Brewery, and a biodynamic wine list curated by sommelier Jack Lewens.
But it’s not just about the food, as sustainability and community are deeply rooted in the restaurant’s ethos.
Shiuli partners with BELU Water to eliminate bottled water, works with the Sustainable Restaurants Association, and collaborates with CREW Energy and Better Futures to reduce its carbon footprint.
The team also works closely with more than 20 local suppliers.
Alfred explained: “Good food should be good for the planet too.
“We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, and we want to be part of the long-term wellbeing of Twickenham.”
But for Alfred, it’s also about giving back to the community too.
The business offers monthly masterclasses, supports local events, and recently curated a Global Diwali Dinner at the National Gallery.
He said: “Twickenham has embraced us from the beginning.
“Being part of this community and giving back to it is incredibly important to us.”
